My name is Stella Mittelbach and I am the PTRC representative at Los Angeles Public Library’s Central Library on Lower Level 2 in the Science, Technology & Patents Dept. Los Angeles Public Library was among the original 22 PTRCs (then called PTDLs) when the program was established in the 1870s.
Since the last PTRC seminar, my department opened and staffed a new and very well equipped DIY maker-space called the Octavia Lab. (https://lapl.org/labs). The Octavia Lab offers 3D printers, a CNC Mill machine, sewing and embroidery machines, laser cutter, and much more.
I have continued a partnership with the Los Angeles Small Business Administration and the non-profit organization, Bet Tzedek, to put on quarterly intellectual property classes at Central Library. Bet Tzedek recruits attorneys who volunteer to take on some pro bono IP cases for small business owners in the City of Los Angeles. Each program has featured an attorney who talks about how small business owners can protect their intellectual property. The programs are well attended and always have a lively question and answer session.
I’ve done two programs for audiences to which I don’t often speak. Our genealogy librarian invited me to give a talk on “Patents for Genealogists” in June to her regular genealogy group. Preparing for that presentation gave me a much better handle on resources for finding historic patents. My library had its annual Mini Maker Faire in December, where I spoke to a group of kids and adults about patents, inventing, and other kinds of intellectual property.
I continue to help walk-in patent and trademark customers at the reference desk and offer one-on-one sessions by appointment.
Attorneys Dylan Price and Rachael Ettinger at LAPL